SURFBOARD BAG

Abstract

An equipment bag configured to secure and protect equipment within the equipment bag. The equipment bag may include a lid, a base, and an adjustable retaining member. The base may couple to the lid and define an internal volume between the lid and base. The base may include a front end disposed in a nose portion of the base, a rear end disposed in a tail portion of the base, and a perimeter wall extending around an edge of the base between the front end and the rear end. The adjustable retaining member may be configured to releasably couple to the base in a plurality of positions to adjust a retaining equipment length of the equipment bag to accommodate equipment with different lengths.

Claims

1. An equipment bag configured to secure and protect equipment within the equipment bag, the equipment bag comprising: a lid; a base coupled to the lid and defining an internal volume between the lid and base, wherein the base comprises: a front end disposed in a nose portion of the base, a rear end disposed in a tail portion of the base, a perimeter wall extending around an edge of the base between the front end and the rear end; and an adjustable retaining member configured to releasably couple to the base in a plurality of positions to adjust a retaining equipment length of the equipment bag to accommodate equipment with different lengths.

2. The equipment bag of claim 1, wherein the adjustable retaining member comprises a first padded side configured to contact the equipment.

3. The equipment bag of claim 2, wherein the adjustable retaining member further comprises a second side comprising a pocket.

4. The equipment bag of claim 1, wherein the adjustable retaining member comprises a first end releasably coupled to a first coupling portion of the perimeter wall of the base and a second end releasably coupled to a second coupling portion of the perimeter wall.

5. The equipment bag of claim 4, wherein the first coupling portion of the perimeter wall comprises a plurality of loops, and wherein the adjustable retaining member comprises a hook coupled to the first end of the adjustable retaining member and configured to couple with at least one of the plurality of loops.

6. The equipment bag of claim 5, wherein the hook extends into a first one of the plurality of loops to dispose the adjustable retaining member in a first position to retain equipment having a first equipment length.

7. The equipment bag of claim 6, wherein the hook extends into a second one of the plurality of loops to dispose the adjustable retaining member in a second position to retain equipment having a second equipment length greater than the first equipment length.

8. The equipment bag of claim 6, wherein the adjustable retaining member is spaced apart from the front end of the base in the first position.

9. The equipment bag of claim 7, wherein the adjustable retaining member is closer to the front end of the base in the second position than in the first position.

10. The equipment bag of claim 1, wherein the adjustable retaining member comprises a plurality of stiffening members.

11. The equipment bag of claim 4, further comprising a second adjustable retaining member comprising a first end releasably coupled to a third coupling portion of the perimeter wall of the base and a second end releasably coupled to a fourth coupling portion of the perimeter wall.

12. The equipment bag of claim 11, wherein the retaining equipment length extends between the adjustable retaining member and the second adjustable retaining member.

13. The equipment bag of claim 12, wherein the first and second coupling portions of the perimeter wall are disposed in the nose portion of the base, and the third and fourth coupling portions of the perimeter wall are disposed in the tail portion of the base.

14. An equipment bag configured to secure and protect equipment within the equipment bag, the equipment bag comprising: a lid; a base coupled to the lid defining an internal volume between the lid and base, wherein the base comprises: a nose portion, a tail portion, a middle portion disposed between the nose portion and the tail portion, and a perimeter wall extending around the nose portion, the middle portion, and the tail portion; an equipment cradle coupled to the base and configured to secure the equipment to the base, the equipment cradle comprising a cradle base, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a strap.

15. The equipment bag of claim 14, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the equipment cradle releasably couple to the perimeter wall of the base.

16. The equipment bag of claim 15, wherein the first and second sidewalls releasably couple to the perimeter wall with a snap-fit connection.

17. The equipment bag of claim 14, wherein the strap comprises a first end coupled to the cradle base at a first anchor position, and a second end coupled to the cradle base at a second anchor position, wherein the first anchor position and the second anchor position are spaced apart by a first distance, and wherein the equipment comprises an equipment width, and the equipment width is greater than the first distance.

18. The equipment bag of claim 14, further comprising a second equipment cradle coupled to the base and spaced apart from the equipment cradle.

19. The equipment bag of claim 14, wherein the equipment cradle extends across at least half of a width of the middle portion of the base.

20. The equipment bag of claim 14, wherein the equipment cradle further comprises a plurality of equipment separators extending from the first and second sidewalls of the equipment cradle, wherein the plurality of equipment separators are configured to separate a first equipment from a second equipment when at least two equipments are secured within the equipment bag.

21. The equipment bag of claim 14, wherein the cradle base is coupled to the base of the equipment bag along an edge of the cradle base such that the cradle base is configured to pivot around the edge to move the equipment cradle from a storage configuration to an in-use configuration.

Description

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the embodiments and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles and to enable a person skilled in the relevant art(s) to make and use the embodiments. Objects and advantages of illustrative, non-limiting embodiments will become more apparent by describing them in detail with reference to the attached drawings.

[0014] FIG. 1A illustrates a top view of an equipment bag, according to an embodiment.

[0015] FIG. 1B illustrates a side view of an equipment bag, according to an embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates a top view of an equipment bag in an open configuration, according to an embodiment.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a front view of an adjustable retaining member, according to an embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a rear view of an adjustable retaining member, according to an embodiment.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a partial top view of a nose portion of the base of an equipment bag, according to an embodiment.

[0020] FIGS. 6A-6C illustrate an adjustable retaining member coupled to the base of an equipment bag in a plurality of positions, according to an embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a top view of an equipment cradle, according to an embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a front view of an equipment cradle, according to an embodiment.

[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates a partial perspective view of two equipment cradles coupled to a base of an equipment bag, according to an embodiment.

[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates a cross-sectional view of an equipment cradle, according to an embodiment.

[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates a top view of an equipment bag securing a piece of sports equipment, according to an embodiment.

[0026] The features and advantages of the embodiments will become more apparent from the detailed description set forth below when taken in conjunction with the drawings, in which like reference characters identify corresponding elements throughout. In the drawings, like reference numbers generally indicate identical, functionally similar, and/or structurally similar elements.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0027] Embodiments of the present disclosure are described in detail with reference to embodiments thereof as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. References to one embodiment, an embodiment, some embodiments, etc., indicate that the embodiment(s) described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to affect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

[0028] Spatially relative terms, such as beneath, below, lower, above, on, upper, opposite and the like, may be used herein for ease of description to describe one element or feature's relationship to another element(s) or feature(s) as illustrated in the figures. The spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use or in operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. The apparatus may be otherwise oriented (e.g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein may likewise be interpreted accordingly.

[0029] The term about or substantially as used herein indicates the value of a given quantity that can vary based on a particular technology. Based on the particular technology, the term about or substantially can indicate a value of a given quantity that varies within, for example, 1-15% of the value (e.g., 1%, 2%, 5%, 10%, or 15% of the value).

[0030] The following examples are illustrative, but not limiting, of the present embodiments. Other suitable modifications and adaptations of the variety of conditions and parameters normally encountered in the field, and which would be apparent to those skilled in the art, are within the spirit and scope of the disclosure.

[0031] Embodiment 1 of the descriptionAn equipment bag configured to secure and protect equipment within the equipment bag, the equipment bag including: a lid; a base coupled to the lid and defining an internal volume between the lid and base, wherein the base includes a front end disposed in a nose portion of the base, a rear end disposed in a tail portion of the base, a perimeter wall extending around an edge of the base between the front end and the rear end; and an adjustable retaining member configured to releasably couple to the base in a plurality of positions to adjust a retaining equipment length of the equipment bag to accommodate equipment with different lengths.

[0032] Embodiment 2 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 1, wherein the adjustable retaining member includes a first padded side configured to contact the equipment.

[0033] Embodiment 3 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 2, wherein the adjustable retaining member further comprises a second side comprising a pocket.

[0034] Embodiment 4 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 1, wherein the adjustable retaining member includes a first end releasably coupled to a first coupling portion of the perimeter wall of the base and a second end releasably coupled to a second coupling portion of the perimeter wall.

[0035] Embodiment 5 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 4, wherein the first coupling portion of the perimeter wall includes a plurality of loops, and wherein the adjustable retaining member includes a hook coupled to the first end of the adjustable retaining member and configured to couple with at least one of the plurality of loops.

[0036] Embodiment 6 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 5, wherein the hook extends into a first one of the plurality of loops to dispose the adjustable retaining member in a first position to retain equipment having a first equipment length.

[0037] Embodiment 7 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 6, wherein the hook extends into a second one of the plurality of loops to dispose the adjustable retaining member in a second position to retain equipment having a second equipment length greater than the first equipment length.

[0038] Embodiment 8 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 6, wherein the adjustable retaining member is spaced apart from the front end of the base in the first position.

[0039] Embodiment 9 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 7, wherein the adjustable retaining member is closer to the front end of the base in the second position than in the first position.

[0040] Embodiment 10 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 1, wherein the adjustable retaining member includes a plurality of stiffening members.

[0041] Embodiment 11 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 4, further including a second adjustable retaining member including a first end releasably coupled to a third coupling portion of the perimeter wall of the base and a second end releasably coupled to a fourth coupling portion of the perimeter wall.

[0042] Embodiment 12 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 11, wherein the retaining equipment length extends between the adjustable retaining member and the second adjustable retaining member.

[0043] Embodiment 13 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 12, wherein the first and second coupling portions of the perimeter wall are disposed in the nose portion of the base, and the third and fourth coupling portions of the perimeter wall are disposed in the tail portion of the base.

[0044] Embodiment 14 of the descriptionAn equipment bag configured to secure and protect equipment within the equipment bag, the equipment bag including a lid; a base coupled to the lid defining an internal volume between the lid and base, wherein the base includes a nose portion, a tail portion, a middle portion disposed between the nose portion and the tail portion, and a perimeter wall extending around the nose portion, the middle portion, and the tail portion; and an equipment cradle coupled to the base and configured to secure the equipment to the base, the equipment cradle including a cradle base, a first sidewall, a second sidewall, and a strap.

[0045] Embodiment 15 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 14, wherein the first and second sidewalls of the equipment cradle releasably couple to the perimeter wall of the base.

[0046] Embodiment 16 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 15, wherein the first and second sidewalls releasably couple to the perimeter wall with a snap-fit connection.

[0047] Embodiment 17 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 14, wherein the strap comprises a first end coupled to the cradle base at a first anchor position, and a second end coupled to the cradle base at a second anchor position, wherein the first anchor position and the second anchor position are spaced apart by a first distance, and wherein the equipment includes an equipment width, and the equipment width is greater than the first distance.

[0048] Embodiment 18 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 14, further including a second equipment cradle coupled to the middle portion of the base and spaced apart from the equipment cradle.

[0049] Embodiment 19 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 14, wherein the equipment cradle extends across at least half of a width of the middle portion of the base.

[0050] Embodiment 20 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 14, wherein the equipment cradle further includes a plurality of equipment separators extending from the first and second sidewalls of the equipment cradle, wherein the plurality of equipment separators are configured to separate a first equipment from a second equipment when at least two equipments are secured within the equipment bag.

[0051] Embodiment 21 of the descriptionThe equipment bag of embodiment 14, wherein the cradle base is coupled to the base of the equipment bag along an edge of the cradle base such that the cradle base is configured to pivot around the edge to move the equipment cradle from a storage configuration to an in-use configuration.

[0052] Current surfboard and sport equipment travel bags do not address the variation of sizes and shapes of boards and equipment that a user has when traveling. Current solutions have pockets at the nose and tail that require a user to pack them full to protect the nose and tail of their equipment. This means protecting the variety of equipment depends on the user packing their wetsuits, towels, or other padding materials/gear in specific locations. The present disclosure provides adjustable retaining members 140, 160 that allow users to adjust the padding 152, 172 around the nose and tail of their equipment 102 with sufficient adjustability in shape and for equipment having lengths ranging from about 5 ft up to 7 ft 6 in.

[0053] Surfers regularly travel with multiple surfboards around the world to surf destinations. Surfboards are delicate and difficult to protect, especially when navigating airline travel. The equipment cradles 200, 202 disclosed herein protect surfboards and equipment 102 in numerous ways. In some embodiments, the equipment 102 can be nestled, held, and/or protected by equipment cradles 200, 202 within the bag 100. In some embodiments, the cradles 200, 202 suspend the equipment 102 within the bag 100 and keep them from touching the surrounding bag panels 116, 210, 212, 214. In some embodiments, cradles 200, 202 incorporate compression straps 216, that when tightened, pull the equipment 102 together towards the center of the bag 100 instead of simply down, towards the bottom/back panel 118. In some embodiments, the cradles 200, 202 can fold flat against the bottom panel 118 of the bag 100 so the entire bag 100 can be folded down to a smaller size for storage or shipping.

[0054] FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2 illustrate an equipment bag 100, according to embodiments. Equipment bag 100 can be configured to secure equipment 102 (e.g., sports equipment) within the equipment bag 100 to reduce damage to equipment 102 when travelling. For example, equipment bag 100 can be configured to secure a surfboard 102 as shown in FIG. 11. In some embodiments, equipment bag 100 can be configured to secure paddleboards, skis, snowboards, water skis, wakeboards, and other similar types of sports equipment. Equipment 102 can be secured in equipment bag 100 with one or more adjustable retaining members 140, 160 and/or one or more equipment cradles 200, 202, as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. In some embodiments, adjustable retaining members 140, 160 can coupled to a base 106 of equipment bag 100 in a plurality of positions 20, 30, 40, 50, to adjust a retaining equipment length 180 and accommodate different lengths of equipment 102. In some embodiments, equipment cradles 200, 202 can secure equipment 102 to base 106. In some embodiments, equipment cradles 200, 202 can secure equipment 102 approximately centered within base 106 and equipment bag 100.

[0055] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIGS. 1A, 1B, and 2, equipment bag 100 can include a lid 104 and base 106. Lid 104 can be pivotally coupled to base 106 along an edge of lid 104 such that lid can pivot relative to base 106 between an open configuration 10, shown in FIG. 2, and a closed configuration 15, shown in FIGS. 1A and 1B. Lid 104 and base 106 can be adjustably coupled along the remaining perimeter edge of lid 104 with a coupling mechanism 105 such as, for example, a zipper, or a plurality of buckles. Lid 104 and base 106 form an internal volume 108 therebetween in the closed configuration to house and secure equipment 102. In some embodiments, lid 104 can include one or more pockets on an interior and/or exterior side of lid 104 to store user accessories. In some embodiments, lid 104 and/or base 106 can be made from soft material(s) with additional padding, cushioning, or reinforced areas to provide protection to equipment stored within equipment bag 100. In some embodiments, lid 104 and/or base 106 can be a hard case or shell that does not substantially deform when impacted.

[0056] In some embodiments, base 106 includes first and second adjustable retaining members 140, 160 and equipment cradles 200, 202 to couple and secure equipment 102 to equipment bag 100 as shown, for example, in FIG. 2. Base 106 can include nose portion 110, tail portion 112, middle portion 114, perimeter wall 116, and floor 118. Nose portion 110 includes front end 120 at the tip of base 106 and tail portion 112 includes rear end 130 at the opposite end of base 106. A length l of base 106 extends between front end 120 and rear end 130. In some embodiments, nose portion 110 can be approximately a third of length l of base 106, tail portion 112 can be approximately a third of length l of base 106, and middle portion 114 can be approximately a third of length l of base 106. In some embodiments, nose portion 110 can be approximately a quarter of length l of base 106, tail portion 112 can be approximately a quarter of length l of base 106, and middle portion 114 can be approximately half of length l of base 106. In some embodiments, nose portion 110, tail portion 112, and middle portion 114 can be different proportions of base 106. In some embodiments, middle portion 114 is disposed between nose portion 110 and tail portion 112. In some embodiments, nose portion 110 extends forward of a midline along base 106 and tail portion 112 extends rearward of the midline of base 106. In some embodiments, nose portion 110 extends about 710 mm away from front end 120. In some embodiments, nose portion 110 extends between about 600 mm and 800 mm from front end 120. In some embodiments, nose portion 110 extends between about 650 mm and 750 mm from front end 120. In some embodiments, tail portion 112 extends about 475 mm away from rear end 130. In some embodiments, tail portion 112 extends between about 375 mm and 575 mm from rear end 130. In some embodiments, tail portion 112 extends between about 425 mm and 525 mm from rear end 130.

[0057] In some embodiments, perimeter wall 116 extends around each of nose portion 110, middle portion 114, and tail portion 112, and front end 120 and rear end 130. Perimeter wall 116 extends away from floor 118 by height h. In some embodiments, height h can be sized to accommodate a single equipment 102. In some embodiments, height h can be sized to accommodate multiple equipment 102 as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, perimeter wall 116 can include padding around the perimeter of base 106 to protect equipment 102. In some embodiments, perimeter wall 116 can have a multi-layer construction comprising, for example, an inner-most layer (e.g., fabric), a cushioning layer (e.g., PE foam), a molded layer (e.g., ABS corrugated board), and/or a reinforcement layer (e.g., PE board). In some embodiments, perimeter wall 116 can include gaps in the padding that provide attachment members 119 to couple the equipment cradles 200, 202. In some embodiments, tail portion 112 can include frame 190. In some embodiments, wheels 192 can couple to frame 190 and be configured to support the weight of equipment bag 100 and allow for greater mobility of equipment bag 100.

[0058] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, perimeter wall 116 in nose portion 110 can include first and second coupling portions 122, 124 configured to releasably couple with first adjustable retaining member 140. For example, first coupling portion 122 can include a plurality of loops 126 such that a first hook 146 of first adjustable retaining member 140 can extend into and couple with the loops 126 of first coupling portion 122. First coupling portion 122 can couple along perimeter wall 116 and extend towards internal volume 108. Second coupling portion 124 can include a plurality of loops 128 such that a second hook 148 of first adjustable retaining member 140 can extend into and couple with the loops 128 of second coupling portion 124. Second coupling portion 124 can couple along perimeter wall 116 and extend towards internal volume 108 on the opposite side of nose portion 110 to first coupling portion 122. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 5, plurality of loops 126, 128 can include five loops. In some embodiments, plurality of loops 126, 128 can include two, three, four, or more than five loops. In some embodiments, each loop of the plurality of loops 126, 128 can have a width of approximately 65 mm. In some embodiments, each loop of the plurality of loops 126, 128 can have a width between about 25 mm and about 105 mm. In some embodiments, each loop of the plurality of loops 126, 128 can have a width between about 45 mm and about 85 mm. In some embodiments, plurality of loops 126, 128 can extend around the perimeter of nose portion 110 and meet at front end 120.

[0059] First adjustable retaining member 140 can releasably couple with nose portion 110 in a plurality of positions 20, 30, 40 to adjust a retaining equipment length 180 and accommodate different lengths of equipment 102. First adjustable retaining member 140 can include a first end 142, a second end 144 opposite first end 142, a first side 150, and a second side 154 opposite first side 150 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, for example, in FIG. 4, first adjustable retaining member 140 can further include a first hook 146 coupled at first end 142 of second side 154 and second hook 148 coupled at second end 144 of second side 154. In some embodiments, first hook 146 can be configured to extend into and releasably couple with at least one of the plurality of loops 126 of first coupling portion 122. First hook 146 can extend in the height direction of first adjustable retaining member 140 and be spaced apart from first end 142. In some embodiments, second hook 148 can be configured to extend into and releasably couple with at least one of the plurality of loops 128 of second coupling portion 124. Second hook 148 can extend in the height direction of first adjustable retaining member 140 and be spaced apart from second end 144.

[0060] First side 150 of first adjustable retaining member 140 can extend between first end 142 and second end 144 and be configured to face equipment 102. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, first side 150 can include a plurality of pads 152 to provide cushioning and protection to equipment 102 when stored in equipment bag 100. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, second side 154 can include pockets 156 to store user accessories and a plurality of stiffening members 158. In some embodiments, second side 154 can include either pocket 156 or stiffening members 158. In some embodiments, a user can insert soft articles into pocket 156 to provide additional padding and cushioning to first adjustable retaining member 140. In some embodiments, stiffening members 158 can prevent first adjustable retaining member 140 from collapsing in the height direct that might allow equipment 102 to slip past first adjustable member 140 when jostled in equipment bag 100. In some embodiments, stiffening members 158 can be made from PE board, fiber glass, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, first adjustable retaining member 140 can include three or more stiffening member spaced apart between first end 142 and second end 144.

[0061] First adjustable retaining member 140 can be coupled to nose portion 110 of base 106 in a plurality of positions by adjusting which loop of the plurality of loops 126 first hook 146 is releasably coupled to, and which loop of the plurality of loops 128 second hook 148 is releasably coupled to. For example, as shown in FIG. 6C, first hook 146 can be releasably coupled to a first loop of the plurality of loops 126 of first coupling portion 122 that is furthest from front end 120, and second hook 148 can be releasably coupled to a first loop of the plurality of loops 128 of second coupling portion 124 that is furthest from front end 120 such that first adjustable retaining member 140 is disposed in a first position 20. In another example, as shown in FIG. 6A, first hook 146 can be releasably coupled to a second loop of the plurality of loops 126 of first coupling portion 122 that is closest to front end 120, and second hook 148 can be releasably coupled to a second loop of the plurality of loops 128 of second coupling portion 124 that is closest to front end 120 such that first adjustable retaining member 140 is disposed in a third position 40. In another example, as shown in FIG. 6B, first hook 146 can be releasably coupled to a third loop, between the first and second loops, of the plurality of loops 126 of first coupling portion 122, and second hook 148 can be releasably coupled to a third loop, between first and second loops, of the plurality of loops 128 of second coupling portion 124 such that first adjustable retaining member 140 is disposed in a second position 30. In another example, the second position 30 can be achieved by releasably coupling the first hook 146 in the first loop of the plurality of loops 126 of first coupling portion 122 that is furthest from front end 120, and second hook 148 can be releasably coupled to the second loop of the plurality of loops 128 of second coupling portion 124 that is closest to front end 120. In some embodiments, first adjustable retaining member 140 can be moved into a different position than first, second, and third positions 20, 30, 40 by releasably coupling first and second hooks 146, 148 into alternate loops of the plurality of loops 126, 128 on first and second coupling portions 122, 124.

[0062] Each of the plurality of positions 20, 30, 40 of first adjustable retaining member 140 changes the distance of first adjustable retaining member 140 relative to front end 120 and also changes the length of retaining equipment length 180 to accommodate different lengths of equipment 102. For example, when first adjustable retaining member 140 is in the first position 20, as shown in FIG. 6C, first adjustable retaining member 140 is further from front end 120 than in the third position 40, as shown in FIG. 6A. In addition, when first adjustable retaining member 140 is in the third position 40, retaining equipment length 180 is increased over the first position 20 (FIG. 6C) such that a longer equipment 102 can be accommodated in equipment bag 100. First adjustable retaining member 140 can be moved to different positions to achieve a closer fit with equipment 102 to minimize movement of equipment 102 in equipment bag 100.

[0063] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 2, perimeter wall 116 in tail portion 112 can include third and fourth coupling portions 132, 134 configured to releasably couple with second adjustable retaining member 160. For example, third coupling portion 132 can include a plurality of loops 136 such that a first hook 166 of second adjustable retaining member 160 can extend into and couple with the loops 136 of third coupling portion 132. Third coupling portion 132 can couple along perimeter wall 116 and extend towards internal volume 108. Fourth coupling portion 134 can include a plurality of loops 138 such that a second hook 168 of second adjustable retaining member 160 can extend into and couple with the loops 138 of fourth coupling portion 134. Fourth coupling portion 134 can couple along perimeter wall 116 and extend towards internal volume 108 on the opposite side of tail portion 112 to third coupling portion 132. Plurality of loops 136, 138 can include five loops. In some embodiments, plurality of loops 136, 138 can include two, three, four, or more than five loops. In some embodiments, each loop of the plurality of loops 136, 138 can have a width of approximately 65 mm. In some embodiments, each loop of the plurality of loops 136, 138 can have a width between about 25 mm and about 105 mm. In some embodiments, each loop of the plurality of loops 136, 138 can have a width between about 45 mm and about 85 mm. In some embodiments, plurality of loops 136, 138 can extend around the perimeter of tail portion 112 and meet at rear end 130.

[0064] Second adjustable retaining member 160 can releasably couple with tail portion 112 in a plurality of positions (not shown) to adjust retaining equipment length 180 and accommodate different lengths of equipment 102. Second adjustable retaining member 160 can include a first end 162, a second end 164 opposite first end 162, a first side 170, and a second side 174 opposite first side 170 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 3 and 4. As shown, for example, in FIG. 4, second adjustable retaining member 160 can further include a first hook 166 coupled at first end 162 of second side 174 and second hook 168 coupled at second end 164 of second side 174. In some embodiments, first hook 166 can be configured to extend into and releasably couple with at least one of the plurality of loops 136 of third coupling portion 132. First hook 166 can extend in the height direction of second adjustable retaining member 160 and be spaced apart from first end 162. In some embodiments, second hook 168 can be configured to extend into and releasably couple with at least one of the plurality of loops 138 of fourth coupling portion 134. Second hook 168 can extend in the height direction of second adjustable retaining member 160 and be spaced apart from second end 164.

[0065] First side 170 of second adjustable retaining member 160 can extend between first end 162 and second end 164 and be configured to face equipment 102. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 3, first side 170 can include a plurality of pads 172 to provide cushioning and protection to equipment 102 when stored in equipment bag 100. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 4, second side 174 can include pockets 176 to store user accessories and a plurality of stiffening members 178. In some embodiments, second side 174 can include either pocket 176 or stiffening members 178. In some embodiments, a user can insert soft articles into pocket 176 to provide additional padding and cushioning to second adjustable retaining member 160. In some embodiments, stiffening members 178 can prevent second adjustable retaining member 160 from collapsing in the height direct that might allow equipment 102 to slip past second adjustable member 160 when jostled in equipment bag 100. In some embodiments, stiffening members 178 can be made from PE board, fiber glass, or other suitable materials. In some embodiments, second adjustable retaining member 160 can include three or more stiffening member spaced apart between first end 162 and second end 164.

[0066] Second adjustable retaining member 160 can be coupled to tail portion 112 of base 106 in a plurality of positions by adjusting which loop of the plurality of loops 136 first hook 166 is releasably coupled to, and which loop of the plurality of loops 138 second hook 168 is releasably coupled to. For example, first hook 166 can be releasably coupled to a first loop of the plurality of loops 136 of third coupling portion 132 that is furthest from rear end 130, and second hook 168 can be releasably coupled to a first loop of the plurality of loops 138 of fourth coupling portion 134 that is furthest from rear end 130 such that second adjustable retaining member 160 is disposed in a fourth position (not shown). In another example, first hook 166 can be releasably coupled to a second loop of the plurality of loops 136 of third coupling portion 132 that is closest to rear end 130, and second hook 168 can be releasably coupled to a second loop of the plurality of loops 138 of fourth coupling portion 134 that is closest to rear end 130 such that second adjustable retaining member 160 is disposed in a sixth position (not shown). In another example, first hook 166 can be releasably coupled to a third loop, between the first and second loops, of the plurality of loops 136 of third coupling portion 132, and second hook 168 can be releasably coupled to a third loop, between first and second loops, of the plurality of loops 138 of fourth coupling portion 134 such that second adjustable retaining member 160 is disposed in a fifth position 50. In another example, the fifth position 50 can be achieved by releasably coupling the first hook 166 in the first loop of the plurality of loops 136 of third coupling portion 132 that is furthest from rear end 130, and second hook 168 can be releasably coupled to the second loop of the plurality of loops 138 of fourth coupling portion 134 that is closest to rear end 130. In some embodiments, second adjustable retaining member 160 can be moved into a different position than fourth, fifth, and sixth positions by releasably coupling first and second hooks 166, 168 into alternate loops of the plurality of loops 136, 138 on third and fourth coupling portions 132, 134.

[0067] Each of the plurality of positions of second adjustable retaining member 160 changes the distance of second adjustable retaining member 160 relative to rear end 130 and also changes the length of retaining equipment length 180 to accommodate different lengths of equipment 102. In addition, first adjustable retaining member 140 and second adjustable retaining member 160 can be adjusted within nose and tail portions 110, 112 respectively to adjust retaining equipment length 180 to accommodate different lengths of equipment 102 and/or centrally position equipment 102 along length l of base 106. In some embodiments, centrally positioning equipment 102 along length l of base 106 can be achieved by adjusting first and second adjustable retaining members 140, 160 to be equal distances from front end 120 and rear end 130 respectively. In some embodiments, first and second adjustable retaining members 140, 160 can be moved within nose and tail portions 110, 112 to accommodate equipment 102 having a length, for example, between about 5 ft and 7 ft 6 in. In some embodiments, first and second adjustable retaining members 140, 160 can be moved within nose and tail portions 110, 112 to accommodate equipment 102 having a length between about 4 ft and 8 ft 6 in. In some embodiments, first and second adjustable retaining members 140, 160 can be moved within nose and tail portions 110, 112 to accommodate equipment 102 having a length between about 6 ft and 7 ft.

[0068] In some embodiments, equipment cradle 200 can be coupled to middle portion 114 of base 106 and configured to secure equipment 102 to base 106 and equipment bag 100. Equipment carrier 200 can include cradle base 210, first sidewall 212, second sidewall 214, and strap 216 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 7 and 8. In some embodiments, cradle base 210 can couple to floor 118 of base 106, for example, along an edge 227 of cradle base 210. In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, cradle base 210 can fold or pivot about edge 227 between a storage configuration 80, where first and second sidewalls 212, 214 of equipment cradle 200 extend approximately parallel to floor 118, and an in-use configuration 90 where first and second sidewalls 212, 214 of equipment cradle (shown as second equipment cradle 202) extend approximately perpendicular to floor 118.

[0069] First sidewall 212 can extend approximately perpendicular away from a first side 220 of cradle base 210 as shown, for example, in FIG. 8. First sidewall 212 can include connector 230, for example, at a distal end 231 of first sidewall 212. Connector 230 of first sidewall 212 can be configured to releasably couple to attachment member 119 of perimeter wall 116 of base 106. Second sidewall 214 can extend approximately perpendicular away from a second side 222 of cradle base 210 as shown, for example, in FIG. 8. Second sidewall 214 can include connector 232 at a distal end 233 of second sidewall 214. Connectors 230, 232 of first and second sidewalls 212, 214 can be configured to releasably couple to attachment members 119 of perimeter wall 116 of base 106. In some embodiments, connectors 230, 232 and attachment members 119 can be a snap-fit connection. In some embodiments, connectors 230, 232 and attachment members 119 can couple using a hook and loop fastener, a bolted arrangement, or any other suitable connection. In some embodiments, cradle base 210, first sidewall 212, and second sidewall 214 can have a construction to accommodate impacts to equipment bag 100 while minimizing damage to equipment 102. In some embodiments, cradle base 210, first sidewall 212, and second sidewall 214 can have a layered construction comprising, for example, an inner-most layer (e.g., fabric), a cushioning layer (e.g., PE foam), a molded layer (e.g., ABS corrugated board), and/or a reinforcement layer (e.g., PE board), and an outer-most layer (e.g., fabric) configured to face floor 118 and perimeter wall 116.

[0070] In some embodiments, strap 216 is coupled to cradle base 210 and configured to wrap at least partially around equipment 102 to secure equipment 102 to equipment cradle 200 and base 106. Strap 216 can include first anchor end 240, second anchor end 242, first coupling end 244, second coupling end 246, and buckle 248 as shown, for example, in FIGS. 7 and 8. First anchor end 240 couples to cradle base 210 at first anchor position 224. Second anchor end 242 couples to cradle base 210 at second anchor position 226. Strap 216 extends between first anchor end 240 and first coupling end 244, and between second anchor end 242 and second coupling end 246. In some embodiments, buckle 248 can couple to first coupling end 244 such that second coupling end 246 extends through buckle 248 to couple with first coupling end 244. In some embodiments, buckle 248 can couple to second coupling end 246 such that first coupling end 244 extends through buckle 248 to couple with second coupling end 246.

[0071] In some embodiments, strap 216 is configured to secure equipment 102 approximately centrally within equipment cradle 200 such that equipment 102 is spaced apart from cradle base 210, first sidewall 212, and second sidewall 214. First anchor position 224 and second anchor position 226 are spaced apart along cradle base 210 by first distance 228. In some embodiments, first distance 228 can be between about 300 mm and about 400 mm. In some embodiments, first distance 228 can be between about 330 mm and about 380 mm. In some embodiments, first distance 228 can be about 360 mm. In some embodiments, equipment 102 can have width 229 that can be greater than first distance 228. Accordingly, when equipment 102 is placed in equipment cradle 200, strap 216 initial extends outwardly from first and second anchor ends 240, 242 towards first and second sidewalls 212, 214 respectively, before wrapping around sides of equipment 102 and coupling over the top of equipment 102. The initial outward orientation of straps 216 from anchor ends 240, 242 lifts equipment 102 away from cradle base 210 and also away from first and second sidewalls 212, 214 thereby achieving an approximately central position of equipment 102 within equipment cradle 200.

[0072] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 9, equipment bag 100 can include a first equipment cradle 200 and a second equipment cradle 202 spaced apart from first equipment cradle 200. In some embodiments, first equipment cradle 200 can be coupled to middle portion 114 adjacent to nose portion 110 and second equipment cradle 202 can be coupled to middle portion adjacent to tail portion 112. In some embodiments, first equipment cradle 200 can be coupled to nose portion 110 adjacent to middle portion 114. In some embodiments, second equipment cradle 202 can be coupled to tail portion 112 adjacent to middle portion 114. Second equipment cradle 202 can be substantially similar to first equipment cradle 200 as disclosed above.

[0073] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 10, equipment cradle 200 can be sized to accommodate two or more pieces of equipment 102. To avoid damage between adjacent equipment, equipment cradle 200 can include separators 249 coupled to strap 216 and extending inward towards equipment 102. Separators 249 are configured to extend between adjacent equipment 102 to provide a cushioned protective layer between adjacent equipments 102. In some embodiments, separators 249 can extend from both sides of strap 216 as shown, for example, in FIG. 10. In some embodiments, separators 249 can extend approximately width 229 from one side of strap and extend across the approximate width 229 of each equipment 102.

[0074] In the illustrative embodiment shown in FIG. 11, equipment cradle 200 can include sleeve 250 configured to extend along a portion of middle portion 114 and secure a substantial length of equipment 102. In some embodiments, sleeve 250 can extend between first and second equipment cradles 200, 202. In some embodiments, sleeve 250 can extend along at least half of middle portion 114. In some embodiments, equipment cradle 200 can include two straps 216 extending around equipment 102 and a single sleeve 250 extending between the two straps 216.

[0075] It is to be appreciated that the Detailed Description section, and not the Brief Summary and Abstract sections, is intended to be used to interpret the claims. The Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more but not all embodiments of the load carrier system and apparatus, and thus, are not intended to limit the present embodiments and the appended claims.

[0076] The present disclosure has been described above with the aid of functional building blocks illustrating the implementation of specified functions and relationships thereof. The boundaries of these functional building blocks have been arbitrarily defined herein for the convenience of the description. Alternate boundaries can be defined so long as the specified functions and relationships thereof are appropriately performed.

[0077] The foregoing description of the specific embodiments will so fully reveal the general nature of the disclosure that others can, by applying knowledge within the skill of the art, readily modify and/or adapt for various applications such specific embodiments, without undue experimentation, without departing from the general concept of the present disclosure. Therefore, such adaptations and modifications are intended to be within the meaning and range of equivalents of the disclosed embodiments, based on the teaching and guidance presented herein. It is to be understood that the phraseology or terminology herein is for the purpose of description and not of limitation, such that the terminology or phraseology of the present specification is to be interpreted by the skilled artisan in light of the teachings and guidance.

[0078] The breadth and scope of the present disclosure should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.